As negotiators
entered daily bargaining sessions, the Union continued preparations
in the event Boeing's last and final offer is rejected. On July
31st, over 300 members attended two training sessions to serve
as potential picket captains. These individuals stepped forward
to assume a leadership role in the event members vote to strike.Hundreds of members were critical to the success of the 1995 strike and donated hundreds of hours to ensure everything ran smoothly. Picket captains have a wide-range of responsibilities including assigning picketers to various gate locations, phone bank duties, information tables, strike kitchen, or van drivers. They are the first contact members have with the Union when they report for picket duty.
Defense Committee Co-Chair Tommy Wilson stated, "It is encouraging to see so many members willing to give their time and assume a leadership role in the event members vote to strike. Active involvement and preparation will be the key to our success at the bargaining table."
District President Mark Blondin opened the training and noted, "Hopefully, we won't need to utilize this training and we'll be celebrating Labor Day as the first paid holiday under the new contract. If Boeing does not adequately address our issues, we're prepared to take strike action."
